be nice to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be nice to" is a grammatically correct sentence in written English.
It is typically used as an imperative sentence, which means that it is a command, urging someone to be nice to someone else. For example: "Be nice to your little brother."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Just be nice to people.

The New York Times - Magazine

— would be nice to have.

The New Yorker

1. Be nice to people.

Independent

5. Be nice to yourself.

The New York Times

Be nice to journalists.

Forbes

Be nice to animals!

WikiHow

Be nice to everyone.

WikiHow

Be nice to yourself.

Science Magazine

Be nice to Jammers.

WikiHow

Be nice to teachers!

WikiHow

Be nice to him.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice, use "be nice to" to encourage empathy and positive interactions. It is suitable for general recommendations, covering diverse scenarios, and promoting respect and kindness in various settings.

Common error

While versatile, excessive use of "be nice to" in formal writing can sound simplistic. Opt for more nuanced phrases like "demonstrate respect for" or "exercise professional courtesy" in business or academic settings for enhanced sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be nice to" functions primarily as an imperative, issuing a command or instruction to act with kindness or politeness towards a specific person, group, or even oneself. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse scenarios, reinforcing its role as a directive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

41%

News & Media

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be nice to" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative phrase used to encourage kindness and respect towards others or oneself. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to guide behavior and promote positive social interactions. While versatile, it is generally more appropriate for informal contexts, such as everyday conversations and advice-giving, rather than formal business or academic writing. Consider using alternatives like "treat with kindness" or "show compassion towards" for greater nuance in specific situations. When using "be nice to", aim to foster genuine empathy and create harmonious relationships in any setting. Ludwig examples provide real world usages from news, wiki, science and more.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

treat with kindness

This alternative emphasizes the action of treating someone in a kind manner.

show compassion towards

This phrase highlights empathy and understanding in your interactions.

be considerate of

This option focuses on taking others' feelings and needs into account.

extend courtesy to

This phrase suggests a formal and polite approach in interactions.

regard with respect

This option emphasizes showing esteem and admiration.

foster goodwill with

This suggests actively creating positive relationships and a friendly atmosphere.

cultivate harmony with

This alternative focuses on creating a peaceful and balanced relationship.

practice empathy towards

This emphasizes understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

have patience with

This option is specific to situations requiring tolerance and understanding.

demonstrate goodwill toward

This option highlights expressing positive intentions and friendly feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "be nice to" in a sentence?

You can use "be nice to" as a direct command, like "Be nice to your classmates" or as a general suggestion, such as "It's important to be nice to everyone you meet".

What are some alternatives to "be nice to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "treat with kindness", "show compassion towards", or "be considerate of".

When is it appropriate to use "be nice to"?

"Be nice to" is appropriate in informal settings, when giving general advice, or when addressing children. In more formal situations, consider using alternatives that convey a more professional tone.

Is there a difference between "be nice to" and "be kind to"?

While similar, "be nice to" often implies politeness and courtesy, while "be kind to" suggests a deeper level of empathy and compassion. Both are positive, but "be kind to" may indicate a stronger emotional connection.